Respiratory Therapist - NICU

KurzSolutions•Washington DC, DC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a hospital work setting, where you will be providing care to the highest level of care for premature and ill newborns, as designated by The American Academy of Pediatrics in a level 1 Trauma Center and is a teaching hospital. Total staffed beds are 323 inpatient beds - 70 of them dedicated to Neonatal ICU.

Requirements

Must have National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Certification.
Shall maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications approved by the American Heart Association.
Must have an Associate Degree or higher in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited institution.
A minimum of one year of experience as a Respiratory Therapist.
Shall have an experience in Pediatric Respiratory Care (PEDS) is preferred, but experienced therapists from other disciplines will be considered if qualified.

Responsibilities

Performs therapeutic and diagnostic procedures using medical gases, humidification, aerosols, and administration devices.
Administer medications directly to the cardiopulmonary system, ensuring accurate dosages and monitoring for effectiveness.
Maintain and manage life support systems, including ventilator support, ensuring proper patient/ventilator interface and adjusting settings as needed.
Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and breathing exercises to improve lung function and clear airways.
Provide emergency CPR to neonates, following established protocols.
Serves as a key member of the rapid response team, providing critical respiratory support during emergencies.
Insert and maintain artificial airways, including endotracheal tubes (ET) and intubating laryngotracheal mask (ILMA) airways, ensuring proper placement and function.
Perform arterial punctures and analyze blood gases to monitor and adjust treatment plans based on results.
Educate patients' families on respiratory care, equipment uses, and home care management, ensuring they understand treatment plans and procedures.
Monitor patients for signs of distress or complications, recognizing the need for medical intervention when patient safety is at risk.
Perform evaluations for home oxygen use, ensuring appropriate levels and equipment are provided for discharged patients.
Takes on additional responsibilities as needed to support the NICU team and ensure high-quality patient care.